After months of planning, permitting and work, Eric Rabbitt of West Barnstable is a step closer to earning his Eagle Scout badge and Sandy Neck is the richer for it.

Rabbitt, 17, of Centerville's Boy Scout troop 54, installed two benches along Sandy Neck's Trail #1 with the help of troop members.

It was while taking a walk last fall along Sandy Neck's trails, he thought, "It would be nice to have a place to stop and admire the marshes and dunes."

When it came time to develop his Eagle project, he realized, "I want to design a project where people can appreciate the beautiful beach scenery on the Cape."

On Dec. 12, Eric Rabbitt presented his design to the conservation commission and was given the green light to proceed.

Over April's spring break and several weekends in May, Rabbitt led a crew of 19 Scouts and parent volunteers to install two benches. First they cut and constructed. Then they sanded and stained the benches off-site.

On May 5 they met at Sandy Neck to bring in materials to pour the cement pilings. Just before Memorial Day, the benches were mounted and secured.

A group of hikers waved during the installation and said, "We'll be back to stop and enjoy the view."

Between planning and final installation, Rabbitt's project took just over 180 hours and several trips to Sandy Neck.

Rabbitt moved to West Barnstable last August from Clayton, California and attends Barnstable High School.